City News: Hudson to test emergency notification system Thursday

Published: November 14, 2012 4:02AM

To ensure residents can be contacted quickly and effectively, the city is launching the Global Connect Emergency Alert System, with the ability to call, email and/or text thousands of residents, staff members and volunteers within minutes.

The city will test this system Nov. 15, between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. All residents and businesses in Hudson with a land-line phone or who have signed up for alerts by cell phone, will receive a recorded call that will state this is a test of the system.

Multiple phones and email addresses can be registered for each Hudson address.

Visit the city's website -- www.hudson.oh.us -- and click on the "sign up for emergency alerts" link in the clock tower image in the center of the page.

Also, while on the website, residents may sign up for the Summit County Emergency Alert System that is used during countywide emergencies.

"The emergency alert system will allow us to record a voice message and send that message to every telephone number listed in the phone directory within a matter of minutes," City Manager Tony Bales said. "Whether residents need to be informed of a water main break, fast-moving fire, approaching storm or other crisis, the emergency alert system is the most efficient way to reach our residents with the news."

Officials start preparing 2013 budget this week

Hudson officials and Council will consider department needs and city services as they review the city's 2013 budget over the next two months.

Council members and city employees will meet Nov. 14 and 19 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall to review the five-year financial plan for the city. Council members can ask for changes during these meetings, and the five-year plan will be used to create the 2013 budget for the city.

Council and city officials will meet Dec. 4 and 6 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall to review the annual budget and make any changes. Council will vote on the annual budget Dec. 19.

All meetings are open to the public. They will be recorded for Hudson Cable TV and streamed through the city's website at www.hudson.oh.us.